About 1000 guests and the general public attended the ceremony, which was testament to Mr Baldock's standing in the community.

The project received both state and federal funding and also relied on corporate and community donations to a memorial fund.

The 2.5-metre high statue is surrounded by interpretive panels that depict all aspects of Mr Baldock's life.

The Darrel Baldock Memorial gates cap off the memorial and provide a new centre access gate to the Latrobe Recreation Ground.

Mr Baldock captained the St Kilda Football Club to its only premiership in 1966, was a champion horse breeder and trainer and a state politician until 1987, when he retired to coach his beloved Saints.

He died in 2011.

Mrs Baldock said her husband would not have known the reason behind all of the fuss, but said she believed he would have been extremely honoured to know he had such standing in the community.

``He never thought much of himself,'' Mrs Baldock said.

``But he would definitely have been humbled.

``I know he'd be saying why and that it was all a bit silly,'' she laughed.

Mrs Baldock, who always played a supporting role to Mr Baldock's life in the limelight, stepped into the title role during yesterday's memorial unveiling.

Mrs Baldock was supported by the larger Baldock family, with her children and grandchildren, Mr Baldock's brother and sister and Mrs Baldock's family all in attendance.

Mrs Baldock, who doesn't live far from the memorial, said she couldn't believe how well it had all come together.

``Everyone seems to be admiring it, it's all gone really well, but it has been a process,'' Mrs Baldock said.

She said she had seen the statue prior to the unveiling and had gotten a bit of a shock.

``I went down to see it with Gypsy and it was bigger than I thought it was going to be.''

Mrs Baldock said while she was glad it was all over - she could breathe a sigh of relief and have a cup of tea - she was absolutely honoured the memorial was an actuality.

``We are just so honoured for all of the people who have had input to the memorial,'' she said.

Crowds gather around the unveiled Darrel Baldock memorial, which officially opened at Latrobe yesterday. Hundreds gathered at to honour the former St Kilda Football Club great, eho was arguably Tasmania's best footballing export. Picture: Jason Hollister.